TORONTO – The Ontario government is updating the income eligibility thresholds for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and the Seniors Co-Payment Program to allow for more of Ontario’s most vulnerable seniors to have access to dental care and affordable prescription medications.
Changes will enable thousands more low-income seniors to access care.
“Our government continues to support Ontario’s seniors by ensuring they have access to the quality dental care and the prescription medications they need,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.
“Expanding access to these programs to even more low-income seniors builds on our government’s ongoing efforts to protect hospital capacity and will help improve the quality of life and well-being of low-income seniors.”
Starting Aug. 1, 2021, eligibility thresholds for both programs will be updated to reflect cost of living increases in Ontario and align with income support programs for seniors.
Income thresholds will be updated for single Ontarians aged 65 and over, from $19,300 to $22,200, and for couples with a combined annual income, from $32,300 to $37,100.
These changes are predicted to allow 7,000 more seniors to access the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program and 17,000 more seniors to access the Seniors Co-Payment Program in 2021-2022.
According to the Ministry of Health, by ensuring seniors can access effective dental care and continue to afford the medications they need, these programs help to reduce unnecessary trips to the hospital and improve seniors’ quality of life.
The ministry also noted that this will help support hospital capacity as Ontario continues to fight the third wave of COVID-19 and is a key component of the government’s plan to end hallway health care.
For their application to be assessed under the new income thresholds, seniors who are eligible under the new income thresholds for the Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program can apply beginning July 1, 2021.
For the Seniors Co-Payment Program, seniors who are eligible under the new income thresholds are encouraged to apply now in advance of the start of the upcoming benefit year on Aug. 1.
Applying early will help ensure eligible seniors receive the reduction in their drug deductible and co-payment on time to minimize the chance of out of pocket expenses.
Once an application has been submitted, eligibility will be assessed to confirm enrollment for the year.
“We know that good oral health is linked to not only better physical health, but also better overall mental health,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility.
“These programs help provide seniors with the dignity they deserve and help to improve their quality of life,” Cho added.
